Kyrgyzstan at centre of fuel scandal

Published: 3/2/2000

Fears over bad fuel/ In Kyrgyzstan, a scandal involving the president"s family has erupted over the claim that the state airline, Kyrgyzstan Aba Zholduru (KAZh), is being forced to refuel its aircraft with low grade kerosene. A number of air accidents have been attributed to the use of poor quality fuel. In December 1999, Turkmenistan"s Ministry of Defence (MoD) sold 1,500 tons of time-expired TS-1 aviation fuel to the Austrian company, ITE, on condition that it would not be used for aircraft. Several days later, the fuel was purchased by the Turkish company, Chelik Motor Gidgaret, imported to Kyrgyzstan and used for refuelling aircraft. The importer is believed to be Adil Toigunbayev, husband of President Akayev"s elder daughter and considered to be one of the country"s main oligarchs. As a result, pilots are reluctant to voice their safety concerns publicly. KAZh reported nine month losses to end September 1999 and a substantial decline in domestic passenger traffic. At the same time, Manas Airport in Bishkek doubled its revenues. Associated article: www.concise.org. 2nd December 1999

Article ID: 1504